A growing number of US employees are incorporating artificial intelligence into their daily tasks, but doubts persist widely. Recent Gallup data indicates that while regular AI usage is on the rise among workers, concerns about job displacement due to emerging technologies have also increased. Non-users often cite a preference for traditional methods, moral reservations about the technology, or fears related to personal information security.
The February survey highlights varying impacts of AI on US work environments. Some view it as a major enhancer of output and performance, whereas others fear its drawbacks.
Scott Segal, a social worker, employs AI to locate resources for his elderly and at-risk clients in northern Virginia’s healthcare system. He values the personal touch in his role but anticipates that AI might eventually take over his position. ‘I’m preparing for the future,’ said the 53-year-old. ‘Anyone in a job that could be automated should do the same.’
Most AI users report improved efficiency. Around 30% of employees engage with AI daily or several times weekly, classifying them as frequent users. About 20% use it occasionally, such as monthly or yearly.
The Gallup findings show that roughly 40% of workers indicate their employers have implemented AI systems to enhance operations. Among them, about two-thirds report a notably or moderately beneficial effect on their personal productivity.
Managers using AI are more inclined to note positive outcomes compared to non-managerial staff. Approximately 70% of leaders who use AI at least occasionally describe it as improving their work efficiency, versus just over 50% of individual workers.
Elizabeth Bloch, a labor and employment lawyer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, utilizes ChatGPT to compose tactful correspondence in her contentious field, where emotions can run high.
AI seems to offer greater advantages in management, healthcare, and tech positions than in service roles. About 60% of AI users in those sectors report at least moderate productivity improvements, compared to 45% in service occupations.
Even with AI availability, adoption is not assured. The study reveals that about half of US employees use AI annually or never.
Bloch has tested AI for legal investigations but notes its tendency to generate inaccurate details, even in specialized legal applications. She cautions that attorneys unskilled in research might misuse AI through poor inputs, risking penalties for incorrect references.
Among those with access to AI who abstain, 46% prefer their current workflows. Around 40% express ethical objections, privacy worries, or doubts about its utility for their tasks. About 25% have tried it and found it unhelpful, while 20% feel unequipped to apply it properly.
Thuy Pisone, a Maryland-based contract administrator for a federal government contractor, applies AI weekly for routine duties but skips it for skills she has mastered. ‘Colleagues suggest using AI for presentation slides,’ she said. ‘But I can handle that myself after building my expertise.’
Job loss fears from new tech are rising. Though not the primary reason for avoiding AI, the poll shows 18% of US workers believe their role could vanish in five years due to technology, automation, robots, or AI—up from 15% in 2021. At AI-adopting firms, 23% share this concern. A separate March Fox News survey found 60% of registered voters predict AI will cut more jobs than it generates in five years, with 10% expecting net gains and a third saying it’s premature to judge. About 70% in
